Teenagers charged following 'disturbance' at sex offender protest in Musselburgh
Outing and confronting registered sex offenders undermines measures to protect the public, Chief inspector Benjamin Leathes said
Police have issued a stark warning to those protesting against registered sex offenders after a ‘disturbance’ in Musselburgh saw them charge two teenagers.
The two boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance at Stoneybank Avenue on Friday, September 11.
They are also investigating other incidents including vandalism to cars and properties in relation to protests targeting two properties in the Musselburgh area in the past week.
The protests, which police said involved varying levels of criminal behaviour, have centred around registered sex offenders and people perceived to be registered sex offenders.
Chief inspector Benjamin Leathes said: "'Outing’ registered sex offenders on social media or physically confronting them significantly affects the ability of police and partners to manage risk effectively. It also undermines the measures already in place to protect the public.”
Additional patrols are in place to reassure the public and respond to any criminal behaviour stemming from these protests.
The chief inspector said there is “a clear distinction between lawful protest and criminal behaviour”.
He added: “Violence, disorder, hate crime and threatening and abusive behaviour that places others at risk are not forms of protest. Anyone engaging in this type of behaviour should be aware that they could face arrest.
“Registered sex offenders are managed robustly and effectively through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements, known as MAPPA. These arrangements provide a comprehensive response to a complex issue, using professional assessment and risk management.”
Police encourage anyone with concern to speak to officers or contact 101.